Debt and Depression

Depression is a word with several meanings. Among its uses are emotional and financial. Sometimes, one can lead to the other. Few things can weigh on a person’s emotions as much as the burden of debt.

A feeling of depression can erupt with the stress caused by a downturn in employment or personal finances. Evidence suggests that people with debt problems may be more prone to develop depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health issues. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, anxiety, emptiness, guilt, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, excessive sleeping, overeating, appetite loss, apathy, and others.

Sometimes people suffering stress or depression will turn to compulsive behavior. Among the signs to watch for are excessive gambling, use of illegal drugs, or alcohol abuse. If you are having these sorts of problems, you can seek help from agencies that specialize in treating these afflictions.

In some cases, financial stress can lead to thoughts of suicide, which took more than 32,000 American lives in 2005, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  When the unemployment rate goes up or down, the suicide rate has been seen to move with it.  Talk of suicide, of wanting to hurt of kill one’s self, is the most obvious red flag for suicide.  Thinking or fantasizing about suicide are also symptoms, as are acting recklessly, seeing no reason for living and having no sense of purpose. Typically, a person contemplating suicide has an underlying mental health issue that is made greater by the stress.

To deal with stress, it is important to keep things in perspective. You can strengthen family ties and friendship, engage in physical activities or improve your work skills. If you are looking to get help, consider discussing your problem with a health care provider, spiritual leader, school counselor, someone at a community health clinic, or a mental health provider. In 2006, the CDC found that 15 percent of the population has been diagnosed with depression in their adult lifetime.

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, do not be afraid to seek immediate help from a health care provider, mental health crisis center, hospital emergency room or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

Information on depression can be found at the National Institute of Mental Health Web site: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-index.shtml.